Shopsmith Forums

I realize the specs for all lathes give the swing but does anyone know the exact distance from between the waytubes to spindle for each SS model produced? Something like for the model 10's, Mk2, old Mk7, V and 500, 7 current. Looked all over the net for this and not one mention of these specifications.

brad_nalor wrote:I realize the specs for all lathes give the swing but does anyone know the exact distance from between the waytubes to spindle for each SS model produced? Something like for the model 10's, Mk2, old Mk7, V and 500, 7 current. Looked all over the net for this and not one mention of these specifications.

Please define what 'between the way tubes' means.

The appropriate 'swing' dimension is the distance from the center to the closest point of the way tubes. 7 5/8" for M10 and 8 1/2" for M5/MV/MVII/M7(and I assume M2).

The quill center to tops of way tubes is 7 1/4" for M10 and 7 5/8" for M5 etc.

Dimensions are 'close' eyeball measurements.

Those numbers help. Thanks.

To better explain, I was looking for the height as if an imaginary line was across the top of the way tubes (or could use center of), AND in-between the two way-tubes to the center of the spindle.

brad_nalor wrote:Those numbers help. Thanks.

To better explain, I was looking for the height as if an imaginary line was across the top of the way tubes (or could use center of), AND in-between the two way-tubes to the center of the spindle.

The 7 1/4" and 7 5/8" values are as you described.

FWIW Shopsmith claims their "swing" to be 16 inches with a bed length of 34 inches, making the SS Mark 5, V, 7 a 16 x 34 lathe. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going all the way to i6 though. I have turned 14 inch diameter with no problems though.

terrydowning wrote:FWIW Shopsmith claims their "swing" to be 16 inches with a bed length of 34 inches, making the SS Mark 5, V, 7 a 16 x 34 lathe. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going all the way to i6 though. I have turned 14 inch diameter with no problems though.

1/2" clearance not enough?;)

1 slip of the chuck or face plate could get disastrous quickly.

Something that large I would definitely be using a speed reducer as well. 700 is a bit too fast for big stuff whirling around IMHO!

terrydowning wrote:1 slip of the chuck or face plate could get disastrous quickly.

Something that large I would definitely be using a speed reducer as well. 700 is a bit too fast for big stuff whirling around IMHO!

ROGER THAT!

[quote="JPG40504"]1/2" clearance not enough?]

If clearance is not adequate, what is?

The clearance is fine as long as nothing shifts off center. I personally will limit myself to 14 inches (2 inches of clearance) I'd even do that on a big lathe.

I have had bowls, especially larger ones as they have longer tenons come loose in the chuck often after a catch. (my fault for not securing it properly and allowing a tool to catch) These can "wobble" around for a bit until the lathe is stopped and the imbalance is corrected (One an 8 inch bowl I was almost finished with) popped of when it struck the tool rest typically the tool rest moves out of the way when struck at velocity and flew right towards me fortunately I was out of the line of fire. It flew out, ricocheted off the floor and dented a tool box on the other side of my garage, then broke) With 1/2" clearance, these can hit the way tubes and pop loose. 16 x 8 of wet wood is rather heavy and there's no telling the damage that chunk of wood can do. I always make sure my wife's car is safely out of the way before turning anything. I have to share my shop(garage) with her car. My largest turning to date is 14 inches It's now drying and waiting final turning and finishing. Fortunately I have a SS Neighbor (RonKlein) found on this site that loaned me his speed reducer. I'll post pics soon I hope.

IMHO I just don't think it's a good idea to take a machine to it's outer limit if you really don't have to. If I ever need to turn larger than 14 inches, I'll try to find a more suitable lathe. I love my SS but it does have its limits.